Full Size Drill Press With Easy Speed Changes

Metallurgical Content

• Top 3 Drill Presses for Metal for 2022:
  • 1.WEN 4214 – Best for Workshop
• 2. WEN 4208T – Best Runner up
• 3. DEWALT Drill Press – Best for Pro
• 4. BILT HARD
• 5. BILT HARD 2.3-Amp 8 Inch 5-Speed
• 6. WEN 4212T
• 6. JET JWDP-12
• How to Pick the Right Drill Press
  • • Drill Press Type
    • Power
    • Speed of the Drill Press
    • Swing
    • Stroke Distance
    • Features
• Finally…

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A drill press for metal allows you to easily drill into metallic objects with precision and are the key part of any workshop.

While the main function of your drill press is to make holes in metal, you can still use it to sand your metal with the right attachment, drill some square holes, deburr metal, and buff metal surfaces.

A drill press must never be used incorrectly as there have been injuries with clothing getting caught so be sure to receive adequate training before using them unsupervised.

At 911Metallurgist our team has experienced using these tools and was instrumental in helping us identify what we think are units we should recommend for this year. We also had help from our community of Mettalurgists who gave us the low down on what drill press's stood up to the test of the time and which they wish they never bought.

Finally utilizing data science techniques we were able to judge the overall sentiment for every drill press sold in the United States to uncover which tools were preferred by a large number of users.

So without further ado, these are the drill presses for metal that you should check out:

Top 3 Drill Presses for Metal for 2022:

1.WEN 4214 – Best for Workshop

The WEN 4214 is a great choice when you need convenience when performing DIY metal projects at home. This benchtop drill press brings features that allow you efficiency and precision with every project you handle. It starts with an onboard worklight that illuminates the work table to allow precision boring. On the front of the 5.0-Amp drill press is a digital speed readout that combines with a precision laser that guides you when you make holes, sand, or deburr metal pieces.

You can adjust the speed of your drill press from 580 all the way to 3,200 depending on the toughness of the metal you are working on. Just turn the speed adjustment lever on the side and you are good to go. The table of your drill press is also advanced with a table roller extension to give you up to 17 inches of support and a beveling surface that allows you to tilt up to 45 degrees in either direction.

The drill press offers all the stability you need when you start boring holes, thanks to the cast iron base. This base comes with bolt holes so that you can mount the drill press on a worktop.

Features:

• Style: Benchtop
• Max RCF: (rpm) 3200
• The capacity of tube size: 12 inches
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Weight: 89.1 pounds

What we love:

• • Highly accurate drilling
• • Easy to assemble
• • Variable speed allows work on different materials

We don't like this as much:

• • Makes a humming sound when working at low RPM
• • Lacks a spindle lock

Sale

WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press,Orange

• Infinitely variable speed ranges from 580-3200 RPMS. Mechanical variable speed delivers equal torque throughout the range. LED read out displays speed.
• Spindle Travel of 3-1/8" with easy to read, locking linear depth stop for accurate and repeatable drilling operations. Front to the back of the motor is 22 inches
• Quill diameter of 2.17 inches. Durable 2/3hp induction motor develops ample torque and power. Motor: 120 V, 60 Hz. Laser Module: Class III
• 9-1/2 x 9-1/2" cast iron worktable features rack & pinion height adjustment and bevels up to 45 Degree left & right. Width with the handles: 14-1/2"
• Includes drill press, mechanical variable speed, laser, table roller extension, 5/8" keyed chuck & key, tools for assembly.Drill press Height from the Floor to the top: 37 inch

2. WEN 4208T – Best Runner up

The WEN 4208T brings the advanced features that the WEN brand is known for. This benchtop drill press is ideal for small metal projects at home. It brings you a locking depth adjustment nut that allows you to lock the spindle travel for more accuracy when doing repeated drilling. Its work table allows beveling and tilts on either side up to 45 degrees.

There is onboard key storage that ensures you never misplace your keys. This way, you never have to waste any time looking for the chuck key. You can use chuck bits that are up to half an inch in diameter, allowing you to work on a variety of projects.

At the core of the machine is a 2.3 A induction motor with ball bearings for the smooth and balanced operation that you need for high-speed cutting. The motor is durable and will serve you almost as long as the drill press. You can adjust the speed of this motor from 740 all the way to 3,140 RPM.

The cast iron base ensures the machine does not wobble when you start using it at the fastest speeds. Use the bolt holes to anchor the machine to your bench and start working.

Features:

• Style: Benchtop drill press
• Max RCF: (rpm) 3,140
• The capacity of tube size: 8 inches
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Weight: 34.2 pounds

What we love:

• • Efficient for light and medium-weight tasks
• • Sturdy construction
• • Adjustable five-speed operation

We don't like this as much:

• • Wobbles a little at high speeds
• • The table is prone to rust

WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press

• Features a 2.3A induction motor, an 8-inch swing, and a 2-inch spindle travel
• Includes a 1/2-inch keyed chuck and onboard key storage
• Operates at 5 different speeds: 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, or 3140 RPM
• 6.5 by 6.5 inch height adjustable worktable bevels up to 45 degrees in each direction
• Measures in at 23 inches tall with a 7 by 11-inch base

3. DEWALT Drill Press – Best for Pro

The DEWALT Drill Press 2-Speed Magnetic is a little benchtop drill press that serves you when you need to do light metal cutting. It doesn't have as many features as what the WEN drill presses have to offer, but it is ideal for people shopping on a budget. It has a 10-Amp motor with two speeds to meet the needs of different applications. The unit features overload protection to protect the motor from damage and to enhance durability.

DEWALT designed the chuck system to be easy to change without any tool. You can choose between a 3/4-inch Weldon Shank and a 1/2-inch keyed chuck. There are quick-release feed handles that allow you to change the feed handles without the need for any tools. The work surface is large enough for most of your DIY projects and a variety of tool and material orientations.

With 4-inch drill travel, you are able to handle heavy-duty drilling with ease. Even better, the motor's height can adjust to accommodate different accessories. With the drill press, DEWALT offers you a safety chain, keyed chuck, and a height adjustment tool. The drill press is easy to assemble and comes with a sturdy base to keep your work stable.

Features:

• Style: Benchtop
• Max RCF: (rpm) 450
• The capacity of tube size: 4-3/8 inch
• Voltage: 240 volts
• Weight: 47.6 pounds

What we love:

• • Budget drill press
• • Quick-release handle for easy setup
• • Comes with a safety chain
• • Great accessory compatibility

We don't like this as much:

• • Lacks depth stop
• • Does not handle the toughest metal jobs

DEWALT Drill Press, 2-Speed, Magnetic, 2-Inch (DWE1622K)

• 10 amp motor, 2-speed settingsl ;No Load Speed : 300/450 rpm
• Overload protection electronics which prevent motor damage
• Quick Change chuck system. Drillpoint Pressure @ 1/2" Steel Plate (12mm) : 741 pounds
• Magnetic coolant bottle can be placed on either side of tool or on a work surface
• 4-3/8 inch Drill travel offers maximum capacity for heavy duty applications

The other drill presses for metal that we evaluated and liked but didn't prefer over our top 3 recommendations:

4. BILT HARD

BILT HARD gives you a quality drill press at an affordable cost. They have the same features and quality as named brands, but with so much precision and efficiency. For starters, you get adjustable table locks that accommodate different applications for your DIY projects at home. Further, you get a depth stop complete with a gauge, allowing you to drill precise holes for repeated drilling.

The stamped steel base gives you stability when you are working at high speeds. Bolt it to your working table and reduce wobbling. The table can rotate 360 degrees and tilts up to 45 degrees in either direction to allow beveled drilling. To further make the machine more efficient in heavy-duty tasks, the manufacturer adds heavy-duty ball bearings that offer the durability you need regardless of how much you use it.

BILT HARD offers great versatility with different bits – use bits between 1/8 inches and 5/8 inches in diameter. Once the machine starts running, you can adjust and see the speed on the digital LCD screen. Besides setting the speed for precision cuts, the machine gives you a laser guide to help you through the cutting process and a worklight to illuminate the table for efficiency. Bring on those heavy projects and this unit will handle them without a wobble.

Features:

• Style: Benchtop
• Max RCF: (rpm) 3200
• The capacity of tube size: 12 inches
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Weight: 82 pounds

What we love:

• • Versatile for a variety of applications
• • Variable speed is shown on the digital screen
• • Laser guides for precision drilling
• • Beveling worktable

We don't like this as much:

• • Worktable does not move side to side
• • Relatively expensive

BILT HARD 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press, with Laser & Worklight, 5 Amp Benchtop Drilling Machine

• Powerful: CSA Certified, 12" swing, 3-1/8" spindle travel, 5/8" keyed chuck, 1/2hp induction motor 120V
• Variable Speed: from 580 to 3200 RPM with LCD display (ONLY adjust speed after POWER ON).
• Laser Precision: X-pattern laser for accurate drilling (adjust the laser before using).
• Worklight: with onboard work light, light up the work area.
• Worktable: the worktable can rotate 360°, bevel 45 degree left & right.

5. BILT HARD 2.3-Amp 8 Inch 5-Speed

If you are looking for a small tabletop drill press with enough power to handle heavy-duty metal drilling, this machine will meet your needs. It brings a host of convenience and efficiency features to make your projects much more enjoyable. Like other BILT HARD drill presses, this unit offers a high-quality build with a host of advanced features.

For starters, the machine offers you versatility by accommodating bits between 1/16 and 1/2 inches. You can tilt the worktable to accommodate beveled cuts up to 45 degrees in either direction. You only need to loosen the bevel lock bolt and tilt as desired.

The LED work light keeps the work surface illuminated for precision in dimly lit rooms. You will need batteries to keep this light on, but it is all worth it. Further, you get a depth stop with a gauge to enhance efficiency for repeated drilling operations.

Features:

• Style: Tabletop
• Max RCF: (rpm) 3,000
• The capacity of tube size: 8 Inches
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Weight: 30 pounds

What we love:

• • Beveling worktable
• • LED worklight
• • Accommodates a variety of chucks
• • Depth stop with a gauge

We don't like this as much:

• • Table collar doesn't fit tightly
• • Makes a little noise on low speeds

BILT HARD 2.3-Amp 8 inch 5-Speed Drill Press with Drill Vise & Worklight, Tabletop Drilling Machine, CSA Listed

• Small but Powerful: with CSA Certification, 8 inch swing, 2 inch spindle travel, 1/2-inch keyed chuck, 23" total height, induction motor 2.3 Amp 120V.
• Useful Kit: 2.5 inch Drill vise (the jaw open up to 2.2 inch), lightweight and portable.
• 5 Variable Speeds: 660/1140/1740/2340/3000 RPM, drill through wood, sheet metal, plastics. High speed for low density material, low speed for hard object and sheet steel.
• Compact Construction: the steel frame ensures durability and accurate drilling. The worktable can bevel 45 degree left and right. The base contains predrilled holes for mounting onto a bench or work stand. The slotted table allows for mounting clamps and vises.
• WARRANTY - We guarantee this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship 30 days from the date of purchase. Our support team is on standby for YOU.

6. WEN 4212T

If you want the power and efficiency of a WEN drill press at an affordable price, try the WEN 4212. It offers you all the good features you expect from a WEN and handles all DIY projects at home without a wobble. The unit features a powerful 5-amp induction motor protected from power overload for durability and with heavy-duty ball bearings to handle tough cuts. During use, you can adjust its speed from 530 RPM for the tough metal all the way to 3,100 RPM for light metal.

Enjoy convenience features, such as a digital speed readout and an LED worklight. These features make it easier for you to set up your drill press for use. Further, the drill press features a depth adjustment gauge, which allows you to limit the spindle travel for accuracy during repeated drilling operations. Set the mechanical speed where you want it with a simple turn of the lever.

For beveled drills, tilt the table up to 45 degrees on either side.

Features:

• Style: Benchtop
• Max RCF: (rpm) 3,100
• The capacity of tube size: 10 inches
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Weight: 57 pounds

What we love:

• • Highly accurate
• • Table height adjustment for convenience
• • Versatile and accommodate different chuck bits
• • Adjustable speed for a variety of applications

We don't like this as much:

• • It takes relatively more time to set up
• • You need to apply some force to change the speed

WEN 4212T 5-Amp 10-Inch Variable Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press with Laser

• Features a 5-amp induction motor, a 10-inch swing, and a 2-inch spindle travel
• Adjust the mechanical variable speed anywhere from 530 to 3100 RPM
• Digital speed readout displays current RPM of the machine for maximum precision
• Includes a laser, adjustable depth stop, beveling 8 by 7.5-inch work table, 1/2-inch capacity keyed chuck, a chuck key with onboard storage, and a two-year warranty
• Measures in at 13.2 by 19.3 by 33.9 inches in size with a weight of 57 pounds

6. JET JWDP-12

JET JWDP-12 is one of the most powerful benchtop drill presses. You will have to pay more than you would for most of the other machines, but that is just a small price for the power that the machine offers you. Get this if you want to handle heavy-duty metal cutting for large projects. It is highly precise and accurate and brings a host of convenient features to meet your needs.

For cutting accuracy, the machine offers a XACTA laser that ensures everything is perfect at all times. You can use it for consistent drilling, thanks to the depth stop feature. Although it is a heavy-duty unit, it sports a compact design to fit on your worktop. Its retractable roller extension allows you a small table when you need one and a bigger table for larger applications.

Enjoy other features, such as LED work light for when you need to handle intricate metal work and a large paddle switch for added safety. Everything is easy to set up and get started.

Features:

• Style: Benchtop
• Max RCF: (rpm) 3,100
• The capacity of tube size: 12 inches
• Voltage: 115 volts
• Weight: 85 pounds

What we love:

• • Ideal for heavy-duty applications
• • Easy to set up
• • Highly sturdy on all speed settings
• • Compact design

We don't like this as much:

• • Relatively pricey
• • Chuck has a slight wobble

JET JWDP-12, 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 1/2HP, 115V 1PH (716000)

• DRILLING ACCURACY: X-shaped XACTA Laser ensures perfection every time.
• EASE OF USE: Oversized ergonomic knobs provide maximum control.
• CONSISTENT DRILLING: Clear, linear scale with depth stop.
• EXTRA SUPPORT: Retractable roller extension provides support and quick workpiece adjustments.
• COMPACT DESIGN: 10" x 16-1/8" cast iron base fits neatly on workbenches with limited space.

How to Pick the Right Drill Press

You need a drill press that will serve you for a long time, give you accuracy for every project, and be powerful enough for all the projects you intend to handle. Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for a drill press.

Drill Press Type

Drill presses come in two types; benchtop and stationary press. The benchtop press is light and doesn't take much space in your workshop. It is also easier to move when you need to change the layout of your working space. However, thanks to the small size, the benchtop drill presses are not the most powerful, but they will still meet your needs for small metal projects at home.

The stationary model is ideal when you need a drill press for large metal projects. It is heavier and more powerful, and it cuts through metal with ease and more precision.

Power

The watt rating of a drill press shows how much power the machine has. However, most manufacturers show the amp and volt ratings, and you have to calculate the watts. Machines with a high watt rating are more powerful to cut through metal fast. If you need a machine to cut through the toughest metal materials, you need one that delivers about or close to 1,000 watts. Benchtop models will only offer about 400 watts and some even lower.

Speed of the Drill Press

The rotation speed of a drill press varies based on the model and size. This speed determines the efficiency of the machine in drilling. Most models allow you to choose from up to six speeds. Speed comes in handy when you work on different materials – tough materials require the lowest drill speed.

Swing

The swing of your drill press will determine the largest size of metal you can accommodate. It refers to twice the distance between the chuck and the column of the drill press. If you plan on handling large metal pieces, you need a drill press with a large swing. Benchtop drill presses have a swing of between 8 and 12 inches while the floor standing drill presses have a swing of between 13 and 20 inches.

Stroke Distance

The stroke distance of a drill press, also referred to as the quill travel, refers to how deep the drill press can bore without stopping for table or material re-adjustments. Smaller benchtop drill presses can bore for up to 2.5 inches while larger drill presses can bore up to 6 inches or more. For most DIY projects, you may never need to drill more than 4 inches deep.

Features

You need a drill press that offers convenience when you start working. For instance, you need a table that adjusts and moves up and down to make room for the workpiece. You can also look for a machine that allows a side-to-side tilting, say 45 degrees or even up to 360 degrees, so you can drill at all angles. There are models that feature LED lights and some with laser guides to show you where to drill.

Finally…

The best drill press for you should be one that meets your drilling needs succinctly. You do not need the largest drill press if all you handle are small DIY projects at home. However, if you handle heavy-duty metal for large projects, you may need the most powerful of these drill presses. The powerful units come at an extra cost, but they offer you the speed, precision, and convenience you need to handle large projects.

When shopping, consider simple features, such as laser guide and depth stop. These features enhance the quality and accuracy of your work, especially if you are using a drill press for the first time. With several settings, you stand a chance to make the best cuts.

All the drill presses above are great for different applications. You do not have to try all of them – pick one that meets your budget and needs and run with it.

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